What to Pack for the Alps

What to Pack for the Alps

By Alex Guerrero

Pack smart, pack light. Every ounce counts in the Alps, where each switchback challenges your mettle. With our guide, you'll be equipped for pure mountain joy.

Way back when Nick, Col, Kenny and Jim thought up a name for their company, it was simple. Kit you’d throw in a van to go and have fun in the Alps? That’s Alpkit. Years later, we’re quite a bit bigger (just a smidge!) but we’re still constantly alpine dreaming. Here’s our kit list for a summer’s trip to the Alps.

What should I pack for the Alps?

A basic clothing kit list should consist of your base layer, midlayer and outer shell. Then it's always a good idea to pack accessories and travel essentials - like your hat, gloves and SPF! Don't forget - depending on whether you’re tackling the big mountains with changeable weather or meandering round the valleys, you might need to pack different kit.

What is a base layer?

The base layer is the clothing you wear next-to-skin. It wicks sweat away, keeping you comfortable and dry. And, depending on what it's designed for, it can keep you warm or cool.

What is a midlayer?

Your midlayer can be a fleece, jumper or insulated jacket. Their main purpose is to keep you warm - not to protect you from the elements. If it's really chilly, you might need more than one!

What is an outer shell?

Last but not least, the all-important shell protects you from the elements (rain, wind, snow). Different waterproofs and winshells are designed for movement in different activities. They're your barrier against the weather.

Books & Magazines

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Oat To Joy Oat To Joy

Oat To Joy

Emma Pooleys oat-based recipes
$39.99
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Great British Bike Rides

40 of the best road rides in England, Scotland and Wales
$34.99
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Landscape Treks

Photo location guidebook that takes us through various walks, comprising of some of the wildest and most photogenic scenery the UK has to offer
$0.00
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Lake District Mountain Landscape Lake District Mountain Landscape

Lake District Mountain Landscape

A spectacular photographic perspective of the Lake District
$39.99
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Avon Gorge Avon Gorge

Avon Gorge

A Climbers’ Club Guide to the Avon Gorge
$9,999.00
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Structured Chaos Structured Chaos

Structured Chaos

The unusual life of a climber by Victor Saunders
$24.99
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Where There’s A Will: Hope, Grief And Endurance In A Cycle Race Across A Continent Where There’s A Will: Hope, Grief And Endurance In A Cycle Race Across A Continent

Where There’s A Will: Hope, Grief And Endurance In A Cycle Race Across A Continent

Emily Chappell's story of pushing the limits of her endurance
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The Isle of Skye The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye

Graded walks and scrambles throughout Skye, including the Cuillin
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Dark Peak Walks Dark Peak Walks

Dark Peak Walks

40 walks exploring the Peak District gritstone and moorland landscapes
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Lost Lanes North Lost Lanes North

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36 Glorious bike rides in Northern England
$22.49
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Walking in the Yorkshire Dales; North and East Walking in the Yorkshire Dales; North and East

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales; North and East

43 circular day walks in the north and east Yorkshire Dales
$17.49
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Alps Mountain Biking Alps Mountain Biking

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From Aosta to Zermat the best singletrack, enduro and downhill trails in the Alps
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